I am puzzled by the procedure for Marriage Articles in 19th century Cork. I have just found the Marriage Articles for my 3x great grandparents Robert Geo Stevelly and his bride Ann Hodder of Fountainstown dated 1814. (A great thrill and the result of many years searching amongst the films of the Registry of Deeds). I was somewhat surprised to find that it was the groom's father George Stevelly who was providing property for the marriage portion. This was a large property (Rochelle at Blackrock, Cork, until recently a boarding school and until recently still owned by my family). The property was put into a trust with the trustees being Ann's brother George Hodder of Fountainstown and the groom's brother Rev Edmond Stevelly. Until now I had always thought the marriage portion was provided by the bride's family. And what was the point of the trust and at what stage, if at all, would the property have past to the bride and groom? There was also a 'jointure" of £100 provided by the groom's father for the benefit of the bride, should she survive her husband. In the event the groom far outlived the bride and passed the property of Rochelle intact on to his heirs. I will reproduce the legalese below and hope someone can help me understand what is happening. Also does anyone know the locality of Fonthill? Regards, Kae Lewis LDS Film #0545073 Registry of Deeds Vol 675 1814 No 464817 Stevelly Marriage Settlement A Memorial to an Indentured Deed of Marriage Settlement bearing date the 20th day of May 1814 made between Geo Stevelly of Forthill in the South Liberties of the City of Cork Esq of the first part, Robert George Stevelly of Forthill aforesaid Esq, eldest son of the said George of the 2nd part, Ann Hodder of the City of Cork Spinster, one of the daughters of George Hodder late of Fountainstown in the Co of Cork Esq deceased of the 3rd part, and Edmond Stevelly of Fonthill, brother of the said Robt Geo Stevelly and George Hodder of Fountainstown aforesaid Esq, brother of said Ann Hodder of the 4th part whereby in consideration of the Marriage intended later had and solemnized between said Robt Geo Stevelly and Ann Hodder and of the marriage portion of said Ann and for other considerations therein mentioned, the said Geo Stevelly did assign and make over unto said Edmd Stevelly and Geo Hodder parties thereto all that and those the Dwelling house and houses gardens and Lands of Rochelle in possession of Samuel Chamley (there follows a description of the boundaries of the property). To hold unto the said Edmond Stevelly and Geo Hodder from date of said deed for the residue of the term of years for which said premises are held upon Trust to secure to said Ann a jointure of £100 in case she should survive said Robt Geo Stevelly. Deed was witnessed by Michael Busteed of the City of Cork Alderman and Nicholas Vincent of the said City. Dated City of Cork 21 May 1814.